[The handsqueeze was unexpected, and it gave her just a little hope, even if they were going in just a few seconds. Tenten maybe wasn't just a kid in his eyes.

She gave him a full smile as they sat there, holding hands, waiting for the world to end.

And waiting.

And waiting some more.

And it was then that she realized it had indeed been a trick. Or the device talked about had worked. Either way, she'd just admitted feelings to Kakashi, more or less, and she was still here. Tenten resisted the very strong urge to facepalm. The smile faded.

He pulled his hand away and Tenten instantly missed it, wanting to hold it again. She actually half-started to reach for it before stopping herself. Kakashi's hand had been warm and just a little exciting, but Tenten started working on controlling the very strong urge.]

I guess we amused them enough. Or the scientists' device worked.

[She leaned into the now-familiar hairbun squeeze, wondering at how casual he was. Tenten didn't know if it was a good sign or a bad one. The pat... made it seem a little on the too-innocent-for-her-taste side.]

Okay.

[Getting up, Tenten gave him one of her calmer smiles, even though she felt far from calm. Flirting wasn't her thing. She reached over to give Shiori a headpat.]

If you wanted to do that more, you could. The hairbuns. I kinda like it.